Devotions based on week 10 of Joy in the Journey: Joy (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Me: Always? Wait, you mean…always?
God: Yep. Always.
Me: But how?
How can I always have joy and rejoice?
Don’t you know life gets hard?
Don’t you understand the difficult situation I am in?
Don’t you know the loss I just experienced?
God: Yes. Yes, I do.
Me: But how? How am I supposed to rejoice ALWAYS? That seems really tough and to be honest a bit unrealistic.
God: Perhaps. If you are equating joy and happiness, you are missing the point. Happiness is what you feel when external circumstances are good and your experiences are wonderful. Happiness comes when you get a raise after showing great skill at your job. Happiness is passing a test or enjoying a great evening with your spouse.
Me: So is happiness wrong?
God: No, not at all. In fact, I created this world for you to enjoy and I want you to experience the emotion of happiness. But happiness doesn’t last and I too admit it’s hard to be happy in all circumstances.
Me: I agree!
God: But I do want you to have joy at all times.
Me: So what is joy?
God: Joy is a gift I give you when you rest in my unchanging promises, my eternal Word and my grace that I have shown to you. Notice what I inspired Paul to write, “Rejoice IN THE LORD always.” I didn’t say rejoice in a circumstance, I said, “Rejoice in the LORD!”
Me: So you are saying joy is more than an emotion?
God: Yes, it is more a state of being that settles deep in your soul by my Spirit so that no matter what the external circumstance, you have authentic joy rooted in me and my love for you.
Me: So when life gets hard or I experience loss or am in a difficult situation, you still want me to have joy.
God: That’s right.
Me: And you want me to find joy by remembering that even in a difficult situation you are with me?
God: Exactly.
Me: And if I experience loss, I have not lost your forgiveness and love and grace?
God: Now you are understanding.
Me: And no matter what circumstances are around me and the emotions they create I have a settled heart knowing that your love for me never changes?
God: Exactly!
Me: And that’s what leads me to rejoice?
God: YES!
Me: Always.
God: Yes, always. Can I say it again? Rejoice!
Apply: What is the situation you are facing this morning? How can the dialogue of this devotion change your perspective to find reasons to rejoice today (and always!)?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me your constant love and grace so that I ALWAYS have a reason to rejoice, no matter what the surrounding circumstances. AMEN.